Christian Pulisic joined a brief warm‑up with the U.S. squad before heading to the gym, leaving teammates alone as he wrapped a bandage around an inflamed left calf. With 24 hours before the Group D clash with Australia, the 28‑year‑old’s recovery status hangs in the balance.

Pochettino will address the striker’s condition in Thursday’s press conference at 6:45 p.m. ET. Pulisic first strained the calf last week and was forced off at halftime of Friday’s 4‑1 win over Paraguay after a re‑aggravation. He performed a limited field session Wednesday but progress remains uncertain.

Mc Kennie, who has been outspoken about the team’s morale, expressed optimism that Pulisic will be fit for the match. “I know he really wants to be and he’s doing everything that he can and the staff is doing everything that they can as well,” he said.

If Pulisic cannot play, options include Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder Giovanni Reyna, who scored against Paraguay, América striker Alejandro Zendejas, Marseille's Timothy Weah, or Leeds United’s Brenden Aaronson. Either way, the U.S. squad must tighten its defense and keep the lead against Australia, whose recent form has tested the host nation’s resolve.